The question “What ever happened to chivalry?” when a man doesn’t hold a door open for a woman is asked frequently. When someone responds with “Chivalry is dead,” we should think before our mouths open and we go on a raged rant.
During the medieval times, chivalrous men might’ve held a door or two open for a woman, but these men looked down on the women simply because of their sex. Chivalry should be dead because it cannot logically exist in an equal society. Some think it’s just a synonym for respect, but in reality, it reinforces gendered power relations, which this world already has an excess of. Let’s keep respect alive instead by assigning a different definition to chivalry.
After all, this is the 21st century, and even the words ‘selfie’ and ‘twerk’ are now a part of the Oxford English Dictionary. Let’s take initiative and change it to, “acts of unobligated respect shown to everyone and anyone.” This could mean making sure to not slam the door on someone’s face when they’re right behind you. You might as well keep the door open for a few more seconds. Be a decent human being. You could help yourself and someone else simultaneously.
Acts of kindness and showing respect could be a win/win situation for yourself and the person. You can make someone’s day a little better and feel better about yours at the same time. Author Ian Maclaren said, “Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Kindness and respect go a long way, and can mean more to someone than you may think. Next time you see someone, even if you don’t know them, smile and ask how their day is going.
By changing the definition of chivalry, everyone will be equal and respect will be shown to others regardless of sex, gender or sexual orientation. In this generation, that respect could empower them, make them smile or cause appreciation. Where is the loss in that?